Best things to do in Los Angeles

I moved to Los Angeles in 2016 and hit the ground running. I call LA a “city of cities” – each neighborhood has its own distinct features, feel, and type of people. That’s why you can never get bored in LA: because you’ll never run out of things to see, do, and explore. It’s one of the most diverse and creative cities in the whole world, and I’m proud to call it my new home. If you find yourself in the city of angels, take my guide with you..

AREAS TO STAY IN

West Hollywood – access to tons of restaurants, nightlife, shopping. One of the rare walkable areas of LA. I lived here the longest. Beverly Hills – central, safe, lovely.

Hollywood – central and access to night life and attractions, but really do your research when choosing which street. There are definitely some dangerous areas.

Beverlywood – where I live now. Super peaceful, safe, and charming. Central location. Must have a car though.

Westwood / West LA / Santa Monica – good if you want to be close to the beach and the Pacific Coast Highway. Beautiful neighborhoods. But far if you want to go to Downtown / east side often.

The Hollywood Hills – I mean, if you can afford to rent a house up there…

Urth Caffe – I mean, this goes without saying. I stalked this place on Instagram well before I knew I was ever moving to LA. Literally everything you can imagine is on the menu and there are multiple locations throughout the city. Inexpensive, healthy options, and the matcha boba blend drink is basically a drug.

Otium – if you’re checking out museum row in downtown, stop here for lunch or dinner after hitting The Broad art museum. Definitely more upscale but worth the higher prices. The gnocchi is to die for.

The Hudson – cool grungy place with gastropub food and a photobooth), literally all of 3rd Street (Goldie’s, Toast, Little Door).. a whole street of restaurants so you’ll definitely find something you like.

Laurel Hardware – secret entrance through a fake hardware store; sit on the romantic outdoor back patio with fairy lights; order the pizza, it’s amazing! Must make reservation and arrive before 9pm.

Yamashiro – Japanese restaurant in the Hollywood Hills with live piano and great views. Designed to look like a Japanese temple. Expensive, but there’s also a farmer’s market there every Thursday with food vendors.

Backyard Bowls – the best post-hike treat. Custom acai bowls with a variety of healthy fruit, nut, seeds, granola, honey toppings. Beautiful and good for you too!

Cleo (at the Redbury, Hollywood) – my favorite restaurant in LA. Grand, lavish interior with a photo booth and stylish tables. Sharing style: I recommend going with some friends and ordering 6 or so dishes to share. Try a little bit of everything.

Delilah – celebrity hot spot. No windows and no photos allowed. Paparazzi outside. You’ll never get in on a weekend – you can try a Monday or random week day. Good luck!

Catch – another celebrity hot spot. Really good food, too. Rooftop in West Hollywood. Make a reservation weeks in advance.

HIKES

Griffith- hike up to the Griffith Observatory in Hollywood for the most spectacular overlook view, telescopes, and planetarium. Check website for hours. Griffith Park has tons of trails, research in advance which you want to take.

Inspiration Point- lovely views and there are also horse stables and a polo field on the property.

Eaton Canyon- can be up to 2hrs drive away but well worth it. Hike through the LA National Forest and feel like you’re in the wild west.

Los Liones- hike in Malibu with views of the Pacific ocean. Fryman Canyon- hike with view of Hollywood hills houses.

Solstice Canyon- beautiful Malibu canyon hike.

Fryman Canyon- not as well known so you may get the trail to yourself! Spot birds and butterflies, enjoy the views from the hills.

SHOPPING

Melrose Trading Post- every Sunday from 9am to 5pm, artists and local vendors set up shop at Fairfax High School to sell their goods. You can find really unique vintage clothes, jewelry, plants, paintings, lotions, candles, fashion accessories, home decor, and so much more. Support your local craftsmen! Aside from shopping, there is also live music and a variety of food and beverage vendors.

Rodeo Drive – you probably can’t afford any of these designer stores, but it’s a beautiful street and fun to visit all the luxury stores! Plus see all the Rolls Royce cars.

Melrose- endless stores and street art. Very Instagram-able. All different types of fashion, from Coachella vibes to vintage to grunge to designer.

Beverly Center- upscale indoor mall in West Hollywood

The Grove- outdoor style mall, modeled after Italian and French plazas. Beautiful daytime and at night. Also has the Farmers Market with 50 booths of all different types of foods. I used to live right by here and would go all the time. Home to Pacific theaters, the fanciest movie theater I’ve ever seen- looks like an opera.

Glendale Galleria / Americana at the Brand- every store you could ever imagine. Indoor mall and beautiful outdoor shopping plaza. Plus restaurants. Could spend all day here.

Malibu – go to El Matador beach (cool rock formations), sample wine and have a picnic at Malibu Wines, play game and rowboat and eat/drink at Malibu café, climb the giant sand dune, tons of hikes, climb Point Dume for view of the ocean, make a reservation for Nobu sushi

Ojai – visit olive farms and wineries, walk around the cute town, visit the outdoor book store, plenty of hiking and walking trails, feel at peace in nature

Santa Barbara – walk along the beach, visit the gorgeous Spanish style Mission church, eat everything on Main Street, play beach volleyball, check out bars in the Funky Zone

San Diego – visit the San Diego Zoo (the best one in the USA, in my opinion – feels like a safari), hit the beach, eat at the Gaslamp Quarter, visit Balboa Park, take photos at La Jolla, watch the seals Long Beach – go on a whale watching tour, visit the aquarium

Temecula – spend a day wine tasting at all different wineries

Solvang – Danish settlement down. All things Danish. Get some chocolate and photograph a windmill!

Palm Springs / Palm Desert – this is where trendy Coachella people stay. Rent a place with a pool, sunbathe, go shopping at the outlets.

Joshua Tree – visit Joshua Tree National Park (definitely see Skull Rock, Jumbo Rocks, watch the sunset at Keys View, drive all along the route and get out wherever you want, end at Chula Cactus Garden), eat and buy souvenirs in the adorable town of 29 Palms, keep an eye out for wildlife like roadrunners, coyotes, hummingbirds, etc. Watch the stars in the clear night sky (bring a coat – it gets cold at night)

Catalina Island – Take the ferry or a boat over. Look out for dolphins and “flying fish”! Everything on the island is walkable, no car needed. Very charming Caribbean meets Mediterranean feel. Can also go to the Channel Islands.

Big Bear – good for the late autumn / winter season. Rent a cabin with a fireplace. Go skiing and snowboarding.